Chapter 98

Under the clear sky with sparse stars and a bright moon, Feng Jueyu and Shangguan Ruomeng strolled along the corridor outside Yunmeng Tower. Feng Jueyu, walking ahead, felt incredibly proud. In fact, he had long planned the collaboration, and today it was finally accomplished. Not only did he help the Shangguan family, but he also secured a favorable deal. Thinking about it, Feng Jueyu was somewhat grateful to his aunt for providing this great opportunity. If not for her stirring up the family and convening the clan meeting, it would have taken much more effort to achieve this.

As for the profit-sharing, his original plan was indeed a 50-50 split, which was already generous. Under Shangguan Lingyun's persistent persuasion, it might have turned into a Shangguan family majority. After all, the strength of Jishi Fang couldn't compare to the Shangguan family. Once the collaboration began, it wouldn't just be a 30,000 taels investment. For example, finding a secluded and secret place to grow medicinal herbs would require location, money, and manpower—all of which would need to be handled by the Shangguan family.

On the other hand, he and Jishi Fang would only provide the formula. Considering all aspects, he was the one who would benefit the most, so he didn't overestimate the profit-sharing.

However, he didn't expect Shangguan Ruomeng and Shangguan Lingyun to be so agreeable, settling on a 60-40 split, with him taking 60% and the Shangguan family 40%. This was a huge advantage.

Thus, Feng Jueyu was in an exceptionally good mood...

Walking at the front, the young master Feng whistled a cheerful tune, which was clearly a popular song from his previous life: "We common people are truly happy today."

But Shangguan Ruomeng, who followed behind, felt differently. Watching Feng Jueyu walk with a carefree gait, like a crab moving sideways, she increasingly felt that she had been tricked, but she couldn't pinpoint what was wrong. She just knew something was off.

A 60-40 split, with the Shangguan family taking 40%, was like a windfall. Although they had to pay 30,000 taels, once the First-Class Golden Wound Medicine was launched, they would recoup their investment and even start earning profits. After that, they could sit back and collect dividends. All the Shangguan family needed to do was provide some manpower to protect the formula. If a skilled expert appeared, that person would handle all the troubles.

No matter how you looked at it, this deal wasn't a loss, but...

Why did this guy look like he had gotten the better deal?

Shangguan Ruomeng thought and thought, then suddenly realized. She pulled Feng Jueyu, who was walking ahead, and asked, "Big Brother Feng, the collaboration is settled. Shouldn't we discuss the details now?"

"Details?" Feng Jueyu blinked. "What details?"

"Of course, the details of formulating the First-Class Golden Wound Medicine. We have a lot to prepare, like gathering laborers, buying materials for the formula, selecting a location, and you said you would send people to assist the senior. Where is he now? Should we invite him? Should I go, or should Grandfather visit him personally? These things need to be carefully considered, don't they?"

"Are you talking about this..."

Feng Jueyu broke out in a cold sweat. He thought, this girl is sharp. She figured out almost everything in the time it took to whistle. All that's left is the implementation.

How could Feng Jueyu tell her? Although the collaboration was settled, he wanted Jishi Fang to become famous. The first success couldn't go to the Shangguan family, or they would become subordinate.

Feng Jueyu chuckled and stretched, saying, "Sister Ruomeng, don't worry. The senior is busy these days. You should prepare the 30,000 taels as soon as possible... Remember, the faster, the better. Otherwise, the senior might get upset, and the deal we just made will fall through."

"What?" Shangguan Ruomeng's eyebrows shot up, and she grabbed Feng Jueyu, refusing to let him go. "You just promised the other managers that we would see results in three days. If he's busy these days, how can everyone believe you?"

"Did I say that?" Feng Jueyu scratched his head, remembering. Damn, it seems I did say that, but it's no big deal. When Jishi Fang opens, that's when we see results. At that time, we'll split the profits 60-40, giving the Shangguan family 40%. Then, we'll collect the 30,000 taels, and it will all be profit.

He smiled and patted Shangguan Ruomeng's shoulder, saying, "Don't worry. In less than three days, you'll see, and everyone will see. For now, Sister Ruomeng, focus on resolving the issues with Miss Sima."

With that, Feng Jueyu laughed and walked away...

Shangguan Ruomeng watched his lazy back and felt a surge of anger. This fool, I thought he had changed, but he's become even more arrogant and self-centered. He doesn't even listen to me. Humph, just because he has someone backing him, he thinks he's so great. If there's no progress in three days, just wait and see what I'll do to him.

In a short moment, Miss Shangguan's opinion of Feng Jueyu changed fundamentally...

...

The next day, Feng Jueyu got up early and headed straight to the Ruyu Pavilion in the southern part of the city. He hadn't forgotten his promise to teach Sima Ruyu how to paint, and he couldn't delay it.

Arriving at the Ruyu Pavilion, he gently knocked on the door, and Xiaobi opened it. Entering the courtyard, he saw the delicate Sima Ruyu already waiting.

In front of her was a drawing board made of redwood, perfectly sized as Feng Jueyu had instructed, neither too high nor too low. On the stone table in the pavilion were several pieces of charcoal, thin like pencils. It seemed that everything Feng Jueyu had asked her to prepare was ready.

"Big Brother Feng, you're finally here," Sima Ruyu said, standing up eagerly as Feng Jueyu entered.

Today, Sima Ruyu wore a simple, light-colored silk dress that accentuated her delicate and graceful figure. Her eyebrows were as curved as the moon, and her skin was smooth and fragrant, exuding the beauty of a well-bred lady. Feng Jueyu couldn't help but be captivated, thinking, "This girl is truly beautiful."

Smiling, he walked over and gave Sima Ruyu a stern look, correcting her, "Call me Master or Teacher."

Sima Ruyu, who had been smiling like a peach blossom, suddenly turned cold and bit her lip. "Yes, Master."

"Everything is prepared? Not bad," Feng Jueyu said, acting like a teacher as he checked the charcoal and the drawing board.

It must be said that Sima Ruyu's comprehension was exceptional. Following Feng Jueyu's instructions, she had made the drawing board and charcoal very suitable, comfortable to hold.

Seeing Feng Jueyu's pretentious act, Sima Ruyu gritted her teeth in frustration but didn't dare to say anything. After he finished checking the tools, she asked, "Master, can we start?"

Feng Jueyu nodded and said, "Yes, today I'll teach you about lines, perspective, and composition. Then you can practice on your own..."

"Lines? Perspective? Composition?"

Drawing lines, perspective, and composition are actually the three basic skills of sketching, which must be mastered and practiced. For beginners, these are usually taught and practiced separately and require a lot of practice to master.

However, Feng Jueyu didn't have the time, and Sima Ruyu already had a good foundation in painting, so he could skip the beginner stage.

Sima Ruyu understood the concept of lines and composition but had never heard of perspective before. She asked, "What is perspective?"

Feng Jueyu looked around and saw two teacups and a teapot on the table, as well as a box of pastries.

He walked over, arranged the items, and placed the drawing board in a good position. He laid out the paper and secured it with a clip, then picked up the brush and said, "Watch carefully. The lines of the three items in front of you are like this..."

He started with a simple cube, then a teacup with a circular base, and left the teapot for later, as it was too complex for now.

After finishing, he showed the drawings to Sima Ruyu and said, "Do you understand?"

Sima Ruyu, being very intelligent, had thought that drawing a teacup and a box would be difficult. But when she saw Feng Jueyu's detailed sketch, she was amazed.

Traditional ink painting usually focused on the front view, neglecting the multiple perspectives of an object. When she saw all the lines presented, her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"I understand. These lines represent the angles of the box. Drawing them from different perspectives is called perspective, right?"

She's really smart, Feng Jueyu thought. She understood it so quickly. Teaching this disciple should be easy.

He said, "Exactly. Sketching teaches you to observe an object from multiple angles, without missing any detail. When you see and draw every line, you see the whole object from your perspective. Perspective has many types..."

Feng Jueyu then explained some basic knowledge of sketching, including composition and layout.

Sima Ruyu listened intently, becoming increasingly interested in sketching and almost obsessed. After the first lesson, she took a deep breath and exclaimed, "I never realized sketching had so much depth. I was like a frog in a well, unaware of the world's wonders."

Feng Jueyu smiled, wanting to say, "That's because you lack education, and lack of education is terrifying."

But he didn't say it. Instead, he handed her the charcoal and said, "Practice now. You can draw anything in the Ruyu Pavilion, whether it's square, round, flat, or long. The more you draw and think, the better. When the time is right, I'll teach you more advanced techniques."

Feng Jueyu looked at the southern wall and said, "I'll take a walk. You keep practicing."

"Okay," Sima Ruyu, completely absorbed in sketching, didn't notice Feng Jueyu's lack of focus. She took the charcoal and sat down, choosing the box as her first target.

Meanwhile, Feng Jueyu walked toward the flower garden by the wall, unnoticed by Sima Ruyu...